Looking at matters at Old Trafford, Jordi Alba was understandably pleased with the win despite the tie being very much all to play for.
"We played a serious game, but not with as many chances as usual," he said.
"We couldn't leave the back uncovered so our wingers and midfielders stayed in more.
"We had possession and we took our chance.
"The result is a very good one."
Barcelona have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, but they are focusing more on the competition than ever this term.
"We know that when we haven't progressed it's because the opposition deserved it," the player explained.
"I think this season we're more attentive than ever because of what happened last year.
"The result is good and we'll go into the return leg with confidence."
Meanwhile, Alba hopes that Diego Costa receives a minimal suspension for his sending off against Barcelona last Saturday night.
Costa was dismissed for allegedly insulting the referee and it has been reported that he faces an eight-match ban.
Although the Barcelona left-back benefitted from the red card last weekend in his side's win, he doesn't want his international teammate to be suspended for the rest of the season.
"These are the situations a referee encounters in a game," Jordi Alba said of the Costa case after Barcelona's Champions League win over Manchester United.
"I hope for his sake that it's the fewest games possible.
"I think it would be excessive to punish him with eight games, but I can't do anything about it."
Godwinwhizee77
47
Meanwhile Barcelona are very dangerous at home
Elsa98
45
Barcelona are very good on the counter attack and strong at home.🏟️ Barcelona are favourites because they are playing at home and also have the goal advantage, but it's an open game because they are the two strongest teams in europe.💪🏻 Força Barça!🔵🔴
Baron217
41
the result was good but the performance was far from good aside Pique and semedo the whole barca team looked tired and lacked motivation.messi really needs be to rested ahead of the second leg cause he didnt look sharp at all and hardly got involved in the play and I think its down to fatigue
Heuacinsyz
38
Half of United players should not be at United because Manchester United is one of the biggest club and should not have more average players. If De Gea did not join the team United could been far worst more fans would have left. The players always cross balls through the opposite player, they only shout on target by accident, they pass more than necessary, they often don't run in the box when they team attack, etc. Most players are talented but simply not clever. Others are talented and clever but play with a bunch of incompetent players. Many like Herrera should have been sold long long time ago.